Spmusic Mondays: Threw That One Away ...

(1 Cent): Opportunity Passed By

As I didn't predict (again), the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Detroit Tigers in 5 games to win the World Series. Unbelievable.

What's even harder to fathom is that little David Eckstein is the World Series MVP ... all 5 foot 7 inches of him (well, that's what they list him as ... he makes Frodo look like Yao Ming). No one called this Cards team to win it all (outside of the Lou).

I watched all the games and I would have to say it came down to one things: focus. You see, the Tigers didn't get blown out in their losses (especially in Games 4 and 5, where they lost by 1 and 2 runs, respectively) but threw the games away ... literally.

I'm not too sure what the record is for errors in one World Series, but the Tigers had eight (8!) in 5 games, with the pitchers accounting for about five of them. Throwing it away on a pickoff attempt ... throwing it away trying to get an out at third ... not fielding a slow comebacker to the mound ... throwing it away trying to get a runner out at first ... it was pretty nasty.

One could even say that the Cardinals had more veterans in the line-up, but they did have a rookie closer, a rookie pitcher to win Game 1 in Detroit, a relatively young catcher in Molina ... while the Tigers had future Hall of Fame catcher Pudge Rodriguez, ageless Kenny Rogers, and 13 year vet closer Todd Jones to name a few.

Again, we return to focus. The Cards seemed to make less mental mistakes (Chris Duncan in right field aside). It's not like the Tigers pitchers couldn't make a throw to third base or first base ... they reach a similar distance to home plate all game long at about 95 miles an hour. It seemed as though they were trying to guide the ball -- aim their throw -- instead of just throwing through the glove like you're supposed to do. Nervousness? Lackadaisicalness? Chokeness? Anyway you define it, they didn't get the job done ... they didn't play how they were capable of playing.

Thus ends another baseball season ... another baseball fantasy team losing ... and another Dodgers losing campaign in the playoffs. I have more deja vu than Beyonce.

Tomorrow starts the NBA season with a double header: Chicago Bulls vs Miami Heat followed by the Lakers vs Suns. You better believe I'm watching that. Tonight is also my fantasy team draft. So far, all I know is that we have 5th pick (out of 12 teams). That means we're guaranteed at least one superstar, which is good (i.e. if we received 12th pick, you don't really get a franchise player). Two out of the last three years we (J.H. and I, co-owners) received the #1 pick. I don't think we've ever gotten lower than 6th ... a good streak to have. Next week I'll recap the insanity that is the draft (my good friend J.D. also signed up for a team in our league ... he received 4th pick ... dang him). Wish me luck (because that's 60% of fantasy sports).

(2 Cent): Nothin' New

There were no artists that I felt compelled to purchase this last week, so there's no new music review, but I do have some music related thoughts.

For starters, I suppose I wasn't the only one who thought Diddy's Press Play was excellent, as he debuted on the Billboard charts at #1, beating #2 by about 70,000 copies (or something like that). I've had it in my car's sound system this whole time and surprisingly, I'm still not tired of it.

On an unrelated topic, the other day at lunch I was watching 106 & Park on BET (which is a top 10 music video countdown show) and I saw on the "new video" segment Justin Timberlake's video to his new single "My Love." Not only was this song in my "Fav Five" for the review of his CD, but this video is pretty amazing. It's crazy with the different lights that go on and off in sync (ha!) with the beat ... JT does his thing with some good dance routines ... it has TI rapping with some girl's high heel hooked to him with a rubberband (you just have to see it to know what I'm talking about) ... and of course, it has Timbaland doing a little jig here and there. Well thought out video. Two thumbs and a pinky toe up.

(1/2 Cent): Hmmm ... Wieners ...

I was walking around an electronics store over the weekend and happened to see the end of a hot dog eating contest on ESPN 2. Let me start off by saying it was pretty disgusting. There's something about it that makes me queasy. I'm not sure it was because they were eating the hot dogs while they weren't prepared by a BBQ sans mustard, relish, and other fixings ... the fact that they were pounding more wieners in their mouth than (**I stopped that thought so I won't cement my place in Hell**) ... or because as they were eating the starched white buns and drinking tap water it left a putrid mix of gunk at the corners of their mouth. I love the HDTV, but it probably isn't a good idea for food eating contests. Yikes.


Check back this Thursday for everyone's favorite, Pet Peeves. Write in questions and comments to HCP2007@gmail.com or click on the Comments link below. Because I can't say so tomorrow, have a Happy Halloween! Remember girls, it's one of only 247 days you can dress skanky and have it be kosher (the other 246 are called the Spring and Summer).

HCP

Grab Bag Fridays: Can You Smell What The HCP Is Cooking?

(1 Cent): No One's Grabbin' My Bag!

As you might be able to figure out by my heading (at least the less perverted readers), no one has written a comment or question for this section today. Good times.

Ergo, I will use this "cent" to go over again slash expound on how I write the articles. Basically, I come up with a basic topic (or someone suggests one) and then just sit and start typing what comes to mind. There's no rough draft, no revision (except some punctuation editing, which is somewhat difficult, because it's harder to edit your own writing compared to someone else's writing). This is just pure, unadulterated thoughts from my mind.

I think writing the articles in this manner accomplishes two things. First, it allows for the articles to be written more quickly (i.e. since I don't write a rough draft, it saves some time and over-thinking). Let's be real -- if this was a job, I would take more time, but since I have a job and now school, although this is great practice and fun and whatnot, I have to have my priorities (however screwed up they may be). I do take some time find an article or picture or link to put on some "cents" but I don't plan what I'm going to say. I just type. Second, it allows for exactly what I'm thinking at the time -- no second guessing because I might be politically incorrect, no "should I have said that?" moments, but just -- as they say -- keeping it real.

In essence, keep that in mind when you're reading ... I have no agenda, no editor, no time, and no inhibitions. All the right ingredients for fun!

(2 Cent): Mentally Cheating

I was talking to one of my good friends on the phone the other day and he was relating a story that happened to him. I'll paraphrase: he was watching a TV show (I want to say something like a "Maury Povich" or "Montell Williams" day time talk show) which posed the question to some people: are you mentally cheating? I believe it was everything except physical touch ... I can't recall what the show's exact description was.

So, he thought to himself, "This show is stupid", followed by, "Wait ... is that even possible? Am I mentally cheating?" Let me interrupt here by saying he's a good guy, I've known him for over a decade, blah, blah, blah. He was just questioning himself because he has to talk to some female co-workers/classmates about some stuff that relates to school/work (he is married). Him even questioning himself means he's trying to do the right thing. So, he was upset because he was letting a stupid show question himself ... and wondered if I thought it was possible to do so and if so, what was my definition of it.

I basically said that I do think it's possible (to mentally cheat) which can turn into full blown cheating (i.e. if you think about something enough, plan out a fantasy in your mind, when an opportunity comes, you're most likely to react to your fantasy). My view was that since you're married, you should avoid extra contract (or situations) with the opposite sex that you can. This especially means that you shouldn't plan anything (i.e. planning on going to lunch one on one). I mean, some times it might be hard to avoid, if say, for example you are forced to partner up with someone of the opposite sex because your professor pairs you off for a class project. In these instances, you'll just have to use your head ... meet in a very public place, meet at your place with your spouse home (I don't know, would that work?). Basically, avoid the appearance of something going on so any onlooker couldn't think anything scandilicious is happening.

Come to think of it ... I think Nicole Kidman is coming out with a movie which as the main premise of someone mentally cheating ... let me Google it really quick (like you can stop me) .... Ha, I did see something about it ... good ol' E! channel! I'll post the link so you can read:

http://celebrity.aol.com/people/ataol/articles/0,26618,1547982,00.html

Personally, I don't know if it's not as harmful or worse than physical cheating ... I'd put the two on the same level. Cheating is cheating. I feel if you're not faithful mentally it can be more damaging because it will usurp your mind and can alter the dynamics of the relationship. Imagine, also, if your spouse discovered your fantasies. Trust would quickly vanish; questions will arise; your union would be damaged. Think about it. Most people, while they're in a relationship, want to feel that they're the only person that the other thinks about. Add marriage to that equation and it should be a given. It's just a bad road to take and I wouldn't risk it.

Then I posed the question to him, something to the effect of, "I would even say this goes for a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship, no?" He replied, "Well, I know lots of people that had a boyfriend or girlfriend and they've cheated, and it's no big deal, so I'm sure mentally cheating goes on all the time with that." Yikes. I guess he's right, though. It does happen a lot ... probably more than people would like to or do admit. My thing is, if you're already to the point of mentally cheating, then why not just end things? Obviously, you don't want to be with just that person, so why not be real with them and not hurt them by pretending to be faithful? Ahh, relationships. Good times.

If any readers have any questions or comments about this subject, send it to HCP2007@gmail.com or click on the Comments link at the end of the article. I'd be interested to find out what you think.

(1/2 Cent): H'ween Is Around The Corner

We're four days and counting until H'ween '06 and I've decided to reminisce about my favorite costume from when I was younger. I'd have to say my favorite would be from when I was in 3rd grade ... possibly 4th ... and I was a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle (Leonardo, to be exact). It was my favorite because it was my most highly anticipated costume. This wasn't the cheap, store bought costumes. This was another ensemble that my mother hand crafted to perfection. The only thing store bought was the katana sword and the mask/turtle snout. The rest was all custom made fo' me.

The best part of the costume was the actual turtle shell ... where she bought some thick, semi-fuzzy green fabric and cut into an oval. Then, she stuffed the whole thing with cotton that you use to make quilts and whatnot out of. Next, she sewed it to have the exact designs of the turtle shell (using my TMNT action figure as the prototype). It was splendiferous.

Of course, this costume was too cool just to wear once, so I used it to watch the TMNT cartoons, movies, and whenever I felt like it. Good times ... better memories.

Wait ... now that I think of it ... my close second favorite if not tied for first favorite costume is when I was Batman. Again, only the mask was store bought (and this was the official-made out of all rubber-covering your whole head-you had to put it on a styrofoam head while not in use-mask). Other than the custom built, black jump suit and utility belt what really made the costume stand out was the cape. This thing was awesome. She used yards of fabric, to give it that draping look. It was wide enough so I could cover my whole body in it (like he shielded himself in the movies) but then flip it over my shoulders on each side so it just hung regularly. It was a-ma-za-zing. Best. Cape. Ever.

As for the "grown-up" HCP, I will most likely spend Halloween night watching the Lakers against the Suns on NBA's opening night ... and root for my fantasy picks to put up some points (again, my fantasy draft is the 30th). My how times have changed.

Have a great weekend and party it up hard this Friday and Saturday at your local Halloween parties!

HCP

Pet Peeve Thursdays: Better Eat Your Trix

(1 Cent): Door Number Two?

You know what really chaps my cheeks? My own unluckiness. I don't know if my own bad fortune counts as a pet peeve ... but use your imagination. In this instance, I'm talking about my constant choosing of the wrong drive-thru lane at the bank. I thought about this being a pet peeve of mine just last week ... while I was waiting, yet again, because I chose the wrong lane.

Every time (no, really) I drive up to the bank and have to decide between Lane 1 and Lane 2, I always pick the one where the car stays for 10 minutes. It's astounding. If I was at Vegas, this is where I would double down on my bad luck -- it's that much of a sure thing.

I choose Lane 1 ... Lane 2 gets open. I choose Lane 2 ... Lane one becomes available. Even when I choose the lane that has one car, while the other lane has two ... it doesn't matter. My lane's car takes my whole lunch break.

I even try to psych out my luck. For example, maybe I was going to choose Lane 1 but to fake out my unlucky streak, I'd actually just go to Lane 2. Nope. Doesn't work. The Pagan Lane Gods still bestow the gift of waiting. It's utterly spectacular.

Does this sort of thing happen to anyone else? Anybody?

(2 Cent): Gimme Something New!

Another pet peeve of mine is getting the same freakin' thing in box after box of cereal. Yes, I am 25 years old, a college graduate, and don't even care what's inside. But, still. I don't want 4 "Sallys" and 4 "Doc Hudsons" and zero "Lightening McQueens." I don't want to see packs and packs of "Barney Rubble" stickers, while I don't see one pack of "Fred Flintstone." Would it hurt to have some variety? You (cereal makers, companies of the trademarked characters) know the main characters are the most popular ... so why keep force feeding us "Screech Powers" when we want to see "Kelly Kapowski?"

I suppose this rant is about 18 years too late (meaning, I cared about this a lot more when I was younger). But, I still eat a variety of cereal and would like for once in my life, no matter how postponed, to see a variety of the prize ... or the most popular character.

(Yes, I'm stretching this week for my second pet peeve).

(1/2 Cent): From A Reader ...

So, I was sent this link by reader "Crash N. Burnett" for a pet peeve article. It is from TheRegister.com. I read the article but do not know if Crash's pet peeve is the U.S. government's policies on space ... George Bush's ways of doing something ... or whatever. Either way, it's a funny read ... hey, the U.S. is not just going global ... we're going intergalactic, baby! Shoot, since Pluto isn't one of the "standard planets" anymore ... can the U.S. now claim it as a territory? Like Puerto Rico and Guam?

http://www.theregister.com/2006/10/19/us_space_policy/



Thanks for everyone's input and for reading. Check back tomorrow for Grab Bag Friday! Keep those comments and questions coming!

P.S. Sorry that this wasn’t posted sooner … I guess there was some sort of planned outage by Blogger.com that I didn’t plan around.

HCP

Spmusic Mondays: Say What, Say What?

(1 Cent): I'm Not The Psychic Miss Cleo

In the middle of last week, the St. Louis Cardinals ended up beating the New York Mets in Game 7 of the NLCS. It was an amazing turn of events, capped off by the Mets being down 2 runs in the bottom of the 9th inning ... with 2 outs ... bases loaded ... and having your best (if not most expensive) player at bat ... with 2 strikes. I sat there thinking to myself, "Wow -- just like you imagine when you're a kid." I mean, the only thing more intense would be having this situation occur in the World Series itself ... but still, a Game 7 to reach the World Series? Drama, momma. The table is set for the win but the Mets are also 1 strike away from going (staying) home. What happened next? Carlos Beltran, who was at bat, strikes out on a nasty curveball -- looking.

It was crazy. Dude didn't even swing! How can you not swing in that situation? Was he too nervous? Did he freeze from the pressure? Did he think it was going to be a ball? I mean, you're supposed to swing at anything close with 2 strikes on you ... especially in a Game 7. You don't look for the ump to bail you out ... especially in a Game 7. It was just an odd way to end things from one of the oddest postseasons I can remember.

You see, basically every team that has advanced has been an "upset." In a way, the Dodgers were supposed to win because the Mets had lost 2 of their key guys in their starting rotation (Pedro and El Duque), while the offense between the two clubs were basically even -- the Mets won. The Padres were supposed to beat the Cardinals because the Cards were playing injured (Rolen, Edmonds, Eckstein, Pujols) and were without their star closer (Isringhausen) while also were floundering into the playoffs by almost blowing their division lead ... and the Padres were the healthier team with home field advantage -- the Cards won. The Yankees were supposed to destroy the Tigers because of their experience, their all-star at every position line-up, and just overall offense while the Tigers had no experience and were lucky to hold on to the Wild Card spot to make the playoffs -- the Tigers won. The Twins were supposed to beat the A's because they had more offense, they had Johan Santana pitching with Joe Nathan waiting to close out games, and finished up the regular season on a tear while the A's had a weak offense and were known to choke in the first round of the playoffs -- the A's swept.

From there, the Mets were supposed to beat the Cardinals because of the offense they showed they had against LA ... but were beaten in Game 7 by striking out looking with bases loaded. The A's were supposed to beat the Tigers because Detroit had gotten lucky and the young guys (pitching staff) would be crushed under the pressure ... and Detroit swept them because the A's offense came back down to normal.

This bring us to now, the World Series, where I predicted the Tigers over the Mets in 7. Of course, the Cardinals beat the Mets so it's St. Louis against Detroit. I'll stay with my same prediction, albeit the NL representative has changed. The Tigs over the Cards in 7. The series is already tied at 1-1. With the way things have shaped up thus far, I would not be surprised to see the Cards win it all. Baseball is too unpredictable. I'm loosely paraphrasing that one Nike commercial (that probably paraphrased the actual person who stated this line) that said, "That's why you play the games."

(2 Cent): He Can't Stop, 'Cause He Won't Stop

Now, this might be because Diddy is my favorite artist from back when I first started listening to Hip Hop ... but I am going to say that his album Press Play is the best (Hip Hop) album I've heard all year, closely beating Busta's The Big Bang. Diddy called this album a mix of Hip Hop and Soul; I call it different than anything he's ever put out before and that we've heard thus far. There are tracks that make you want to dance until New Year's and some R&B soul songs that you can vibe with -- a great combination of the two genres.

With Diddy, you're not getting the "best rapper alive" or most talented MC ... but he can still hold his own on the mic and has always been one of the best producers out there. I liken him to Roger Clemens right now. He probably won't over power you with the best stuff in the league anymore, but is always on top of his game because of his work ethic and he gets the job done for a great performance.

If I could choose just one thing that impressed me most about this album, it would be the array of different sounds each song brings. Not one track sounds the same. He brings powerful producers to help him creatively with the tracks, such as Timbaland, The Neptunes, Kanye West, Just Blaze, and Mario Winans just to name a few. For help with the vocals, he brings in Christina Aguilera, Nicole Scherzinger (lead singer of The Pussycat Dolls), Mary J. Blige, Keyshia Cole, Ciara, Brandy, and Jamie Foxx to name a couple. For guest rappers, he showcases Big Boi (one half of OutKast), NaS, and Twista. Compile all of that to the desire Diddy has to be the best and what you get is the strongest solo album he has put out (well ... his first CD No Way Out was probably his best ... but that CD had a lot more samples from other songs while Press Play has more new, unique songs).

Sure, I might be biased because I'm going to give Diddy a 9.5 out of 10 ... but if you want something that you've not heard before ... if you want a mix of R&B soul and dance Hip Hop ... then this is the CD for you. You will not be disappointed. Press Play had a radio hit as its first single -- "Come To Me" featuring Nicole Scherzinger -- with every other track a viable candidate for 'next hit.' If any other artist came out like this, we would deem them the next great rapper. As for the Bad Boy CEO, it just confirms his place in Hip Hop history as one of the greatest.

**My Fav Five**

1) Track 4, "The Future" -- As soon as this song started, I was like, "Whoa ... this is raw ... I love it" ... this beat seems like an ode to old school rap, with the bass and background sounds just hammering away through your subs ... at the same time, there's a futuristic sound to it in the background -- makes me think of some type of ultramodern machinery moving or something ... words can't describe ... just listen.

2) Track 9, "Diddy Rock" (Featuring Timbaland, Twista & Shawnna) -- A crazy dance beat ... I love the little, "doot-doot-doot" beeping sound in the background ... Timbo and Diddy on the chorus harmonzing ... Twista laying down a phat verse ... it doesn't get any better.

3) Track 17, "Last Night" (Featuring Keyshia Cole) -- Diddy somewhat takes a backseat in this song to allow Keyshia to blast those killer vocals, but does some pseudo-singing of his own ... awesome use of bass and beat ... I can't help but bob my head and sing along too.

4) Track 7, "Tell Me" (Featuring Christina Aguilera) -- This beat mixes a somewhat raw Hip Hop beat (or "gutter") with a somewhat symphonic sound with Aguilera's awesome vocals ... Diddy is outdoing himself, for real.

5) Track 8, "Wanna Move" (Featuring Big Boi, Ciara & Scar) -- Big Boi not only graces this track with one of the dopest raps this side of the Mississippi, but also helps co-produce the beat ... as the title says, this joint just makes you want to move ....


(1/2 Cent): What To Do Now?

Since my softball season is over, I was left to ponder what I would do with this 1/2 part of Spmusic Mondays ... and I suppose since NBA season is one week from tomorrow ... and me and J.H. are doing another fantasy basketball team together ... I would keep ya'll updated on those happenings. We do ours through CBS Sportsline ... no rhyme or reason to it. As usual, I'm always very optimistic at the beginning of the season, because we have not missed the playoffs in years (actually, I can't remember when we have). Again, as usual, it comes down to one last injury at the end of the season to royally screw us over. Let's hope we can break this curse and bring home the gold ... or money ... er, win?

If you have any suggestions about what sports or music topic you would like me to write about, or if you have anything else for Thursday or Friday you would like to read about, hit me up at HCP2007@gmail.com or click on the Comments link below.


HCP

Grab Bag Fridays: Let's Play 10 Questions

(1 Cent): I'll Take "The Penis Mightier" For $300, Alex ...

So, again I have just one comment/question for you people ... but this is a 10 question comment which should be fun. So, go grab some popcorn, some juice, a napkin, sit back, and enjoy the show:

Q: “I am not sure where to post these questions but I feel like "twoandahalfcents" is the type of site where I can get some answers.

1. What is the average life span of a major league baseball?

2. What is Dennis the Menace's last name? (not important but want to test your knowledge)

3. In 1985, the St Louis Cardinals squandered a 3-2 series lead and eventually lost the World Series to the Kansas City Royals. In Game 6, the first-base umpire ruled Royals' player Jorge Orta safe at first, even though he was clearly out. Which umpire made the call that shifted the momentum of this World Series?

4. In 1980 George Brett flirted with the elusive .400 season. What was his final batting average that year?

5. Which closer set a record for the most saves in a single season, when he recorded 57?

6. From the 23 drafts from 1980 to 2002, which NCAA College/University had the most players selected in the first round of the NBA Draft?

7. What former Major League player set the record with 6 'Grand Slam' home runs in one season, eclipsing the previous record of 5 in a season held by both Jim Gentile and Ernie Banks?

8. Joe Dimaggio set a Major League record with a hit in 56 consecutive games. What player tied Willie Keeler for 2nd all-time with a 44-game hitting streak?

9. What NBA team originally drafted Kobe Bryant?

And Finally # 10 ... 10. You may know who the silhouette on the NBA logo is: Jerry West. Now how about MLB's logo? It ain't Babe. Here are five options :

Carl Yastrzemski
Harmon Killebrew
Al Simmons
Rod Carew
Vince Vaughn

Thank you for all of your knowledge.” -- Lmach

HCP: Holy crap, I have a midterm. Hey, I won’t complain – this is the comment/question of the year (up to date). Well, at first I thought it would be fun to try to answer these questions by myself … just to test my “real” knowledge. Then, of course, since I can’t let you down Lmach … I’ll Google and Wikipedia my brains out and come up with the real answer. I can’t be giving out too much false info, ya know? Okay, wish me luck.

Q 1: What is the average life span of a major league baseball?

HCP Answer: I would say 5 pitches … I mean, there’s tons of foul balls, some home runs that occur, some pitches in the dirt that make the pitchers want a new ball … of course, there are also some strikeouts with some full counts mixed in … I still say 5.

Real Answer: Multiple answers on Google say between 6 and 7 pitches. Dag, I was close!! I’m feeling good about the rest of the questions. Bring it on.

Q 2: What is Dennis the Menace's last name? (not important but want to test your knowledge)

HCP Answer: Ahh, want to test my knowledge, eh? I don’t know if remembering a last name from a comic/cartoon/movie is a good way to “test my knowledge” but hey, I’ll give it a whirl. Hmm … I knew the neighbor he bugged was Mr. Wilson … hmm … I think his full name is Dennis Q. Claremount, Esquire.

Real Answer: Mitchell!! That’s right!! That’s what Mr. Wilson always called Dennis’ dad, wasn’t it? Dang it. Feeling deflated.

Q 3: In 1985, the St. Louis Cardinals squandered a 3-2 series lead and eventually lost the World Series to the Kansas City Royals. In Game 6, the first-base umpire ruled Royals' player Jorge Orta safe at first, even though he was clearly out. Which umpire made the call that shifted the momentum of this World Series?

HCP Answer: Uh, I couldn’t even name you the umpire that botched a call in last year’s playoffs (with the Chicago White Sox/Anaheim Angels series) … let alone an umpire that screwed over the Cards when I was about 4 years old. I know it was the “Show Me Series” …I’ll throw out a name … David Dickenson.

Real Answer: Don Denkinger. Hey, I got the initials right! Kind of creepy, no? Ahh, yes, now I remember … Don used to be affectionately called by his fellow umps as “Double D’s” ….

Q 4: In 1980 George Brett flirted with the elusive .400 season. What was his final batting average that year?

HCP Answer: Now, I think I saw this once on one of those ESPN shows … he was pretty close … methinks it was something like .394?

Real Answer: .390 … well, I was .004 off … and have never felt so wrong.

Q 5: Which closer set a record for the most saves in a single season, when he recorded 57?

HCP Answer: This might be because I’m jaded with my Dodgers, but methinks it was their closer by the name of Eric “Game Over” Gagne.

Real Answer: Bobby Thigpen. Dang it! I knew it would be a Cub … well played, Lmach. Well played. I guess Gagne had the record for most consecutive saves in a row, which continued from the middle and end of one season, to the beginning and middle of the next.

Q 6: From the 23 drafts from 1980 to 2002, which NCAA College/University had the most players selected in the first round of the NBA Draft?

HCP Answer: Well, my memory of NBA drafts don’t go much further back than the early 90’s … but I do know more recently, like the past 5-9 years, schools like North Carolina and Duke have put out a lot of players … I’m going to go with NC, because just last year there was 4 players drafted from that school … and I’m sure there were many more before that.

Real Answer: (Note: I couldn’t find the easy way in any search engine or NBA.com, so I had to just add them up manually going to each year from 1980 to 2002 … and I’m not even getting paid). I counted 25 players from North Carolina, and the second closest was Duke with 17 … if I missed a school that had more than 25 players in it, then I’m sure you’ll let me know. So, as far as I’m concerned, I’ve got one right!

Q 7: What former Major League player set the record with 6 'Grand Slam' home runs in one season, eclipsing the previous record of 5 in a season held by both Jim Gentile and Ernie Banks?

HCP Answer: Hmm … former, eh? That means he’s not playing anymore. But I thought the Indians guy, Travis Hafner, set it this season? He’s still playing, as far as I know …

Real Answer: Ha. I was semi-right. Travis Hafner tied Don Mattingly for most grand slams in one season just this year. Was this a trick question? Are you getting your facts from last year’s almanac? Keep up with the times, Lmach!

Q 8: Joe Dimaggio set a Major League record with a hit in 56 consecutive games. What player tied Willie Keeler for 2nd all-time with a 44-game hitting streak?

HCP Answer: Wasn’t this record almost broken this year? Methinks by Philly 2B Chase Utley … but my answer has to be … Pete “I’ll Bet On It” Rose …

Real Answer: Oh, it was a trick question! Or, you’re getting sloppy. Keeler had a 45 game hitting streak … Rose had a 44 game hitting streak … so, in actuality, nobody has tied Keeler with 44 … he’s all alone at #2 (and by the way, Utley wasn’t even close … he had a 35 game hitting streak snapped this year).

Q 9: What NBA team originally drafted Kobe Bryant?

HCP Answer: Ahh, now you’re talking about my boy The Black Mamba? I don’t even need to look this one up: Charlotte Hornets, 13th pick in 1996, out of Lower Marion High School, traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for center Vlade Divic. There’s some added info.

Real Answer: HCP is right and I’m not going to insult myself by looking it up.

Q 10: You may know who the silhouette on the NBA logo is: Jerry West. Now how about MLB's logo? It ain't Babe. Here are five options:

Carl Yastrzemski
Harmon Killebrew
Al Simmons
Rod Carew
Vince Vaughn

HCP Answer: Well, I did know West is the NBA logo … that’s actually his nickname (“The Logo”). Now, are you giving me the 5 options because the answer is one of them, or are you just trying to screw with my head? Hmm … let’s see. Well, the last option, Vince Vaughn, is a modern day comedic genius, but not the logo. I believe Al Simmons was born Aloysius Szymanski … so he can’t be it. Carew was too new (70’s and 80’s). Hmm … I believe I was with my dad when he got Carl Yastrzemski’s autograph in a baseball card store … although he bats lefty and the logo is lefty, no “Logo” would be chilling in an old baseball card store. That leaves Killebrew, who is an old enough player to be considered it, but he was right handed. The MLB logo is left handed. Actually, come to think of it, I don’t think it is based off of anybody. Another trick question?

Real Answer: Ha. It was a trick one. I found the quote from MLB.com stating, "No one player has ever been identified as the model of the 1969 Major League Baseball batter logo". But, I did read that it was “rumored” that Killebrew was the model for the logo … but that’s folklore or something.

Phew. That was intense and time consuming. I loved it. I didn’t do too shabby, did I Lmach? Did I know more than the average bear? Are you mildly impressed? Has your trust in me been shattered? And, you are welcome (for my knowledge).

(2 Cent): True Confessions Vol. 1

I've decided to start another little mini-article idea for Grab Bag Fridays called "True Confessions" which will divulge either slightly embarrassing moments or stupid things that have happened to me that should make for good stories.

Back in high school, about Junior year, my friend G.R. and I were on our way to lunch. I don't recall exactly where we ate ... it could have been Jack In The Box or a 50's diner called Meral's (where they had killer milkshakes). I think we took turns who drove and on this particular day, he was at the wheel. For some reason, he didn't have his car and was using his girlfriend's truck. It was a grayish Mazda or something like that ... just a simple little two passanger pick up.

On the way back from grubage, we were about a mile away from campus stuck at a red light. It was rather warm, so we had the windows down (methinks the AC didn't work or something). After a couple of seconds waiting for the light to turn green G.R. and I hear honking behind us, to which I immediately looked up at the signal. Still red. Then, more honking followed with the added yelling from the car's driver, "Fags! Faggots!" Now, I'm confused. I looked around and didn't see anything out of the ordinary. Light was still red. I was wondering who they were yelling at. I quickly glanced at them and they were definitely looking at us. I was starting to get angry. "Are they yelling at us? Why? What's going on?" I questioned G.R. "I don't know," he replied. I mean, there wasn't a girl with us, but that shouldn't be reason enough to call us fags.

We drive off after the signal turns green, both of us still perplexed. Then, it hits G.R. "Oh my gosh ... I know why they were calling us fags ..." "Why?" I inquired. "... because this is my girlfriend's truck and she has a license plate frame that says, 'Girls Will Be Girls and Boys Will Be Their Toys.'"

Oh my freakin' gosh ... that's the reason! Two guys ... sitting in a small two person pick up truck ... with a license plate that has something a female should have ... equals us being fags. We had a good laugh the rest of the drive to campus, the rest of the day, and even now brings a sheepish grin to my face. Needless to say, I drove to lunch from then on.

(1/2 Cent): Faster Than FedEx

Again, thanks to Lmach for writing in his questions and to all the readers who take the time to humor me and read my blog. Hopefully, I'm able to make you laugh at least once during the week. Check back on Monday to see how my MLB predictions went and what CD I'm already crowning as "Best CD of the Year."

If you would like to write in questions or comments, e-mail me at HCP2007@gmail.com or click the Comments link below. It's easier than not clicking and not writing anything ... or something like that. Have a great weekend, ya'll. This week's sign off: A-B-C-ya!

HCP

Pet Peeve Thursdays: Ay, Ay, Cap'n!

(1 Cent): Argh, Matee!

You know what really chaps my cheeks? Being victim to seeing someone else's "cheeks" in the gym locker room. I mean, put some clothes on, dude. Even though it might be somewhat kosher to be nude for a short time while changing from gym clothes to regular attire, you don't need to stand there naked watching The O'Riley Factor.

The worst is when I'm just walking into the locker room ... minding my own business ... keeping my eye level view of things ... and then you turn the corner to where the lockers are ... and there's this old, nude dude posing like he's Captain Morgan ... only his leg was high on a bench, watching TV, instead of a beer keg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_Morgan).

So, here's something novel: put your clothes on to watch TV. Even better, put your clothes on while you brush your teeth, shave, or whatever else you do in front of the mirror at the gym. Come to think of it, do you people even have a bathroom at home? My goodness. One time, I went to the gym, to the locker room, saw this dude combing his hair, went up and did my work out which lasts about an hour and fifteen to an hour and thirty ... then went back to the locker room to wash up, and same dude is still there getting ready! I know that gym memberships are expensive and all, but they might have to start asking this guy to pay more for rent he's there so much. A rule should be instituted that you have to work out longer than you take to get ready.

Moral of the story: don't be a nude Captain Morgan who watches CSPAN in front of other men.

(2 Cent): Reader's Request

At the want of a particular reader (one who is too shy to write in herself), I am going to write about one of her pet peeves ... and one that I can't believe I haven't written about before. You know what chaps both of our cheeks? Plus sized women who wear XS clothing (or spandex). I don't really have an issue with your size ... I don't think you're lazy ... I don't judge you as a person. I do, however, can not condone the image of a 400 lbs woman sporting a Hello Kitty shirt that was meant for her 8 year old daughter ... it being stretched out to only say, "Hell itty."

Alls I'm sayin' is ... wear clothes that fit ... or at least somewhat fit. Also, dress your age. We don't need 40 somethings dressing like 18 year old hookers. We really don't. That could go for men as well ... we don't need to see your old monkey hair sticking out of your unbuttoned Hawaiian shirt. Just ... sigh ... pretend that you care about your appearance. That's all.

(1/2 Cent): Whoopty-Whoop!

Make sure you send all of your comments by no later than 10am Friday morning ... that's when I will finalize Grab Bag Friday. So far, we have just one question ... but it's a loaded 10 question, question. I'm excited to answer and post it. Write anything and all to HCP2007@gmail.com or click the Comments link below! And remember ... don't be the Cap'n!

HCP

Spmusic Mondays: I Got That Right Temperature ...

(1 Cent): On Second Thought, Vegas Here I Come!

So far, my picks from the MLB playoffs look pretty good. I chose the Detroit Tigers over the A's in 7 games, but it only took 4 ... and I chose the Mets in 6 and at the moment, the series is tied at 2-2.

In last Monday's column I asked someone to "wake up Frank Thomas and tell him it's not 1995 anymore" because he had 2 home runs in Game 1 of the first round and batted .500 in the three games. (Note: I finally feel cool because I was able to quote myself ... good times). Well, someone must have taken my advice because "The Big Hurt" went 0 for 13 with 4 strikeouts for the ALCS. Now that's the Thomas we all know and love! The A's finally showed the offense they were capable of by batting .221 as a team ... but didn't show the pitching they thought they had in having a team ERA of 5.71. That earns a firing of the manager (no, really, he was let go today). Meanwhile, the Tigers are steamrolling through the playoffs and don't look like they're going to slow down. For their sake, I hope the week plus with no games doesn't thwart their momentum.

For the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals series, I figured it would be pretty even, but in the end the Mets would out last the Cards because of their bullpen depth and their many bats. I think we're starting to see a glimpse of that, pointing back to Game 4, where the Mets folded the Cards 12-5. While the Cards have Pujols (who's been suprisingly quite, going only 4 for 14) and Edmonds (who has 2 home runs in the series), the Mets have Reyes, Beltran, Delgado, and Wright. Just too much Mets.

I'm still sticking to my Mets in 6 prediction, which would have them against the Detroit Tigers in the World Series. Since the WS might start before next Monday, I'm going to diss the Cards and already make my prediction:

World Series

Detroit Tigers over New York Mets in Game 7

Reason: I've not watched the Tigers play all season, but have watched all their playoff games. They just seemed destined for the crown ... they have a solid pitching staff, solid bullpen, a quality closer, good defense, great offense and timely hitting. Plus, I think the time off will help them more than hurt.

(2 Cent): Old Schoo, Foo

My appologies to ax9 ... he informed me that he wanted to know some really, really old school Hip Hop CD's (1995 and earlier). Although I stand (sit?) by my Ma$e pick for my personal favorite old school CD, I made a list of some essential Hip Hop & Rap CD's that either pioneered what Hip Hop is or that changed the game into what it is today. Enjoy!

-- The Sugarhill Gang: Sugarhill Gang (1979)
-- Kurtis Blow: Kurtis Blow (1980)
-- Run-DMC: Run-DMC (1984)
-- Beastie Boys: Licensed To Ill (1986)
-- Eric B. & Rakim: Paid In Full (1987)
-- Naughty By Nature: Naughty By Nature (1991)
-- Public Enemy: It Takes A Nations Of Millions To Hold Us Back (1988)
-- Too $hort: Life Is ... Too $hort (1989)
-- Dr. Dre: The Chronic (1992)
-- Ice Cube: The Predator (1992)
-- Snoop Dogg: Doggystyle (1993)
-- Wu Tang Clan: Enter The Wu Tang (36 Chambers) (1993)
-- The Notorious B.I.G.: Ready To Die (1994)
-- NaS: Illmatic (1994)
-- Warren G: Regulate ... G Funk Era (1994)
-- OutKast: Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik (1994)
-- 2Pac: Me Against The World (1995)
-- LL Cool J: All World: Greatest Hits (1996) **Songs from 1985-1996**

Again, there are probably some artists or albums that are not on this list, but this should get your early Hip Hop foundation started.

(1/2 Cent): And The Verdict Is ...

My softball playoff game was rained out again last Monday and was played the following day, on Tuesday the 10th. We were up against a team that was in our regular season schedule, whom we went 1-1 against, with them winning the latest game. It was a crazy game, in that our bats seemed to be working and we went up pretty quickly. It looked like destiny.

My favorite story line of the game went a little something like this: my first time up (I was the lead off hitter) I drew a walk ... because that's what lead off hitters do -- work the count, get on so you can score. Okay, saying "drew a walk" is a little nice -- the pitcher was all over the place. During this time, I hear a fan from the other team yell out, "He doesn't want to hit." So, the next time up, the same fan yells out, "Make him a hitter! He doesn't want to hit!" Even the catcher chimes in with, "You're gonna get out." (Note: Ahh, my favorite part of sports ... talking trash ... just makes sports even better). Bases were loaded, and I ask him, "You wanna bet on that?" He just looks up at me. I stare him down and tell him, "I'm not getting out." The pitcher lobs the first pitch and I smack the crap out of it ... the ball looks like it's coming down, but the left field keeps running, keeps running, turns around ... still over his head and off the fence. I barely miss the grand salami! With only one out, no one on base ran ... and it only ended up being a one RBI single. That sucked. I mean, it was a good hit, but since we only had one RBI from it, I was kind of disappointed. My third time up, I looked down and smiled at the catcher and said, "So, you want to make another bet?" He sheepishly smiled back and replied, "Uh, no." I responded, "Good call." I ended up with just a single after that.

Back to the actual game ... we went up pretty quickly on this team and scored 12 runs to their 4. Then, a very bad inning happened where our outfielders forgot how to run, catch, and throw, and they put up 7 runs. With the score 12-11, we ended up putting one more insurance run. While they were at bat, time expired and we advanced to the championship game!

We actually played again that night to face the only team that had beaten us in the playoffs. Our task now was to beat them twice for the championship. Long story short, we had an even bigger let down defensively (meaning, people that usually didn't make errors made them) and we couldn't hit our way out of a wet bag made of tissue paper. I ended up going 3 for 4 but had never reached second base (i.e. no one could hit). We ended up losing 10-4 and that was the season.

We did end up with a pretty big 2nd place trophy and a shirt, so it wasn't all for nothing. I was actually proud of our little team ... the team that I had basically written off after losing the first game. It was good times ... made a friend or two ... yada-yada-yada. So, for the last time ever ... Gooo Wannabees!

Wannabees End of Playoff Record: (3-2) ... Last Game: Championship - L, 10-4

Wannabees Overall Record (Regular Season + Playoffs): (7-5)

HCP Last Game Day Stats (Including Championship): G = 2, AB = 7, R = 2, H = 5, RBI = 1, BB = 1, BA = .714

HCP End of Playoff Stats: G = 5, AB = 15, R = 7, H = 10, 2B = 2, RBI = 7, BB = 4, BA = .667

HCP End of Regular Season Stats: G = 7, AB = 20, R = 5, H = 14, 2B = 2, RBI = 5, BB = 1, SF = 1, BA = .700

HCP Overall Stats (Regular Season + Playoffs): G = 12, AB = 35, R = 12, H = 24, 2B = 4, RBI = 12, BB = 5, SF = 1, BA = .686


Sorry if you weren't able to read this earlier today ... my Internet was down from a storm. Make sure to write all your comments and questions to HCP2007@gmail.com or click the Comments link below. Thanks to all who have done so!

HCP

Grab Bag Fridays: The Survey Says!?

(1 Cent): Please, Sir, Can I Have Some Mo'e?

Another Friday and another comment. Yes, that's comment in the singular form. Like 2Pac said, I ain't mad at cha ... but you're pushing me to the point where I'm going to have to make up fake personalities and come up with crazy questions. Don't you think for one second that I'm above that. I'll do it.

Q: "I loved seeing the Yankees choke, again. I really thought this was their year, despite their lack of solid pitching. Just goes to show, the curse of A-Rod lives on !" -- ax9

HCP: Yes, the Yankees choked again, indeed. Well, what's the Eastern tip of the U.S. going to do, now that the Red Sox and the Yankees aren't in the playoffs? Watch football? Look forward to another awesome season from the Knicks or Celtics?

You bring up this "curse of A-Rod" ... is that really considered a curse by Yankee haters? I mean, I am familiar with the theory that whatever team he's on, doesn't win ... and after he leaves, the team does better. In sum, he started out with the Seattle Mariners, and him with Griffey (pre-injury) and Edgar Martinez formed a very imposing line-up ... but never won *big*. Then, he leaves for Texas (to the Rangers) and then the M's win something like 113 games with a "crappy" roster. Then, with the Rangers, A-Rod has amazing seasons, hitting close to 60 home runs twice, blasting in runs at will, getting an MVP for a last place team ... then gets traded to the Yankees. Just like that, the Rangers were actually competitive again (2004: 89-73, the year he was gone). Now, he's with the Yankees, but they seem to choke harder than ... well, let's just not go there. So ... is this the Curse of the A-Rod?

My thing with that is ... it has to come down to the other players, too. Most recently, those 20 scoreless innings the Yanks put up against the Tigers in the ALCS wasn't all A-Rod's doing. Plus, batting about .290 with 35 HR's and 121 RBI's for the season isn't too shabby ... only considered an "off year" by his standards, but other players' best years. As I know too well, baseball is totally a team effort -- meaning, one guy can make a difference, but you can't go anywhere long term with just one star player. The entire team has to be good. You can have the best offense, but if you have no pitching to hold a lead, then it's for nothing.

But ... upon further review ... it is kind of weird that whatever team he's been on, hasn't gone to the World Series. Whether it's coincidence or true, it's happening. Okay, I'll concede the Curse of the A-Rod. I just hope the Yankees will buy that hype, trade him to the Dodgers, and we can go from there. I propose this trade ... Dodgers get: Alex Rodriguez, Yankees get: Eric Gagne, Kenny Lofton, Wilson Betemit, and Hong-Chih Kuo. Let the phone calls begin.

(2 Cent): I'm Available ... I'm Not ....

Why is it that whenever you're in a relationship with someone, you have these opportunities and people wanting to be with you that you never had before, when you were single? Why, when you're single, when you want to ask someone out, they're always in a relationship? And the killer is when they say, "Well, if I was single, we'd definitely try something ...".

Okay, it's not always, but it happens often. Maybe it's just me. No, it can't be ... I've had friends complain about the same thing. I suppose, like all things in life, it comes down to one thing: timing. Timing is everything. Maybe that person is in a relationship ... perhaps that person just got out of a relationship and needs some "me time" ... possibly there's other issues or things from the past that prohibits them from being in a place for a relationship. The list can be extensive.

Basically, it's all about putting yourself into situations or environments that will allow for more chances to have good timing ... and that concludes my mushy moment of the week.

Check back on the 16th for Spmusic Monday (and also National Boss Day ... whatever the heck that is). Did the Wannabees softball team bring back the trophy? Did we get worked over like a circus monkey? Find out soon!

Don't forget to write in to HCP2007@gmail.com or click the Comments link below ... write your comments, ask your questions, give some ideas for topics, give me my horoscope, send in donations ... whatever tickles your fancy. Have a Happy Friday the 13th! This weeks signing off phrase: Remember -- where ever you go, there you are.

HCP

Pet Peeve Thursdays: Fashion Police, I Am Not ....

(1 Cent): What’s The Statement?

Let’s get this straight. I’m not (too) misogynistic. I believe in equal rights for both sexes, blah, blah, blah. But, either according to the American male culture, the anti-homosexual movement (I hear something’s moving somewhere with that) or even just tradition, there seems to be a consensus (or majority) that believes males shouldn’t accessorize with the color pink.

****TANGENT ALERT****

I was just listening to the radio and some girl asked the question, “What does R&B stand for?” Shortly afterward, I threw up in my mouth a little.

****BACK TO THE ARTICLE****

So, yes, pink. Pink on guys. Pink on what seemingly are straight guys. You know what really chaps my cheeks? Guys wearing pink backpacks. Now, you might ask, “Don’t you have to encounter something more than once for it to be qualified as a peeve?” Yes, yes you do. And yes, yes I have. Three different occasions I have seen the pink backpack adorned over the shoulders of the male gender. They didn’t look femme. They didn’t look like they were in desperate need of attention. They didn’t look right. This is at the college level, people. I’m not talking about elementary schools … I’m talking about your local scholastic powerhouse.

The following questions went through my mind each time I saw this:

Are they in that much of need of attention?

Do they need money so badly, they had to sacrifice and get the pink backpack as apposed to the black or blue one that costs … hmmm … $1.27 more?

Are they carrying it for their invisible girlfriend?

Did they lose a fight with their 4 year old sister?

Is there a point they’re trying to get across?

Is the point they’re trying to get across, “I’m a real man by wearing pink”?

Should I or should I not run him over in my car?

Now, this discussion could lead into many discussions ... boys can wear pink too ... I'm too homophobe ... it's just a backpack ... I'm stupid ... it's only society (or old tradition) that says pink is for girls ... etcetra. So, why don't they make pink uniforms for male professional sports teams? I don't see the Boston Pink Sox or the Toronto Pink Jays. Why do they still have "It's A Boy" balloons in blue and "It's A Girl" balloons in pink? Why don't they make pink boxers for guys? Why do the backpacks that are pink say "Jansport" on it? Why? Because pink doesn't look good on guys. It's a soft, light color that just doesn't scream, "I pee standing up." I don't think it's catching on too much ... if you're trying to be a trendsetter, then I tip my (blue) hat to you.

Look, it's just a pet peeve of mine. Unless you're the rapper known as Cam'ron, the Pink Panther, or that gay gangster in the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, if you're a guy you should shy away from the pink backpack. Unless you have a matching skirt.

(2 Cent): Used Butts

I know there are some addictions and vices that everyone has. I'm no different. But, when you really have to start looking at yourself in the mirror is when you're walking in a parking lot, spot a pile of burned out cigarrette butts, and then start rumaging through them like you're at the clearance table at JCPenneys. I mean, I literally couldn't believe my eyes. He was being selective with them ... throwing out 2 of the 14 he collected. What was he searching for? Some butts with enough burn for half a puff? The less driven over ones? The ones without coodies? What was wrong with the 2 he threw out? Was he too good for them? Did he not want to seem needy? Is he making up for a time when he was a child ... when his mommy said 'no' to buying a Transformer ... so now he's going to build some kind of super, used cigarrette butt robot and smoke it? I'd pay US currency to know.

Alls I knows is that if you're at the point in your life where you collect used cigarrette butts from a parking lot -- for whatever reason -- then you might want to start reprioritizing some things in your life. At first, I laughed. After I saw how serious he was, I laughed harder. But, then again, it is somewhat sad. I mean, how much is a loosey? A nickle? A dime?

Moral of the story: Don't pick up used butts.

(1/2 Cent): Hmmmm ... Beefy!

If you can, ask anything. Comment about anything. It can be trivial. It doesn't even have to make sense. Just write me something! Even if you just mash your fingers across your keyboard and it looks like: f9209u3j#if9*02305wt-0 .... just throw this dog a bone! Don't make me beg!

Write to HCP2007@gmail.com or click the comments link below. How about this: if you don't write me something, I will put a hex on you for tomorrow, Friday the 13th. I can't believe you made me resort to hexes. Shame on you. Have a great day!!

HCP

Spmusic Mondays: No Vegas For Me

(1 Cent): My Psychic Skills Need Refining

I am only 1 out of 4 in my MLB's divisional matchup predictions ... the Detroit Tigers came back and beat the $200 million payrolled New York Yankees 3-1 (three games to one) ... the Oakland A's swept the Minnesota Twins 3-0 ... the New York Mets worked over and swept my beloved Los Angeles Dodgers 3 -0 ... and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the San Diego Padres 3-1, which is the only series I predicted correctly.

Let me start off by saying no one -- not even the experts at ESPN -- predicted the Tigers over the Yankees. Especially after the Yankees won the first game 8-4. Then, the Yanks pulled off another choke job for the ages and allowed the Tigers to claw their way back and were basically shut out by a couple of young flame throwers while their bats suddenly became allergic to baseballs. They say money can't buy happiness (which I think is just something poor people say ... allow me to earn millions and I'll show you how happy I'll be) but it's true that money can't buy championships (i.e. New York Yankees in MLB and the New York Knicks in the NBA -- both of the highest payrolls). So, this prediction left me 0-1.

Next, we had the Oakland A's sweeping the bee-juzies out of the Twins. I mean, who saw Johan Santana losing game 1 to this A's offense? Who saw this "least talented playoff teams ever" (quote I saw on an ESPN webpage by A's 3B Eric Chavez) beating a red hot Twins team ... other than Buster Olney and Steve Philips? Would someone wake up Frank Thomas and tell him it's not 1995 anymore!?! Homeboy had 2 home runs in the first game and ended up batting .500 for the 3 games. Complete insanity. (My predictions 0-2).

In the National League, we had the New York Mets "cheap hit" my Dodgers into submission ... with the help of a strike zone the size of Hulk Hogan. I mean, I'll concede the first two games in New York ... but game 3 in LA, with Greg Maddox pitching ... we don't get any part of the plate?!? Then, Steve Trachsel (STEVE TRACHSEL) was getting every call there possibly was ... inside, outside, above the belt, below the knees ... did someone forget to give the memo to the umpire that Maddox was on the Dodgers? I saw at least a half dozen times Dodger batters getting out of the way of an inside pitch, only to have it called a strike. Re-gosh-dang-diculous. Next year, kid. Next year. Two last things to say about the series: Jeff Kent is one of the most clutch baseball players I've ever seen and watch out for the Dodgers 1B of the future, James Loney ... he's straight up money. (My predictions, 0-3).

My lone victorious pick was the Cardinals over the Padres ... reason being, I didn't think the Padres were that good. Yes, they had the better record ... they had home field advantage ... but no one in their batting line up "scared" me. Other than all time saves leader Trevor Hoffman, no one on their pitching staff made me think, "Hmm, he's good." The other deciding factor was that the Cardinals have the best hitter in the universe, Albert Pujols (pronounced: poo-holes). He's basically the only hitter right now that I feel has a legitimate chance of cranking one out every time he's at bat. I can't bet against that with the Padres offense. (My predictions, 1-4).

So, this is why I don't bet at Vegas ... I'd be more broke than an Enron stockholder. But, that will not prevent me from trying to pick the winners of the next round. Hopefully, by using the last round as evidence, I can come out better.

National League Championship Series

New York Mets over St. Louis Cardinals 4-2

Reasons: Mets have more offense from top to bottom ... have Tom Glavine for at least two games and have Billy Wagner ... not to mention a very decent middle relief.

American League Championship Series

Detroit Tigers over Oakland A's 4-3

Reasons: This series can go either way because the pitching matchup is basically even, but I am picking the Tigs because the A's will be missing both their regular SS and 2B due to injuries ... while I feel the Tiger offense is stronger from top to bottom ....

(2 Cent): No New Tunes ...

I didn't feel prompted to purchase any new CD last week ... the one I almost ended up buying was by Sleepy Brown. I just didn't know how good overall it would be because I like Sleepy as a featured guest on a song (i.e. OutKast's "I Like The Way You Move" or Ludacris' "Blueberry Yum Yum") but I don't know how I feel about him having his own album. I mean, it can't be that bad, but I don't know if it's worth me owning. I do really, really like his first single from it entitled "Margarita" which is a Neptunes produced track that also features Pharrell and Big Boi (from OutKast). Just to make sure, I sampled the album on iTunes (the 30 second snipets) and came to the conclusion that I'd be cool without it and most likely just get the single.

(1/2 Cent): Do Or Die

The Wannabees are alive ... but barely. Last Wednesday, we lost our game 12-9 ... our defense was shotty at best and the other team hit it all over the place, which isn't a good combination. What really irked me is that a female player -- who had been absent from the team since the first game due to injury -- decided to play. The bad part isn't that she decided to play, but that she had assisted our losing effort. First, there were at least 2 balls that flew over her head in right field (which lead to a run producing triple and home run). Then, while we had something resembling a rally going, and I walked which puts me on 2nd base and walks the female behind me ... she decides she wants to hit. What!?! I can understand if you've been hitting all season and we're not losing ... but we were losing the game and had runners on 2nd and 3rd with only one out. Why not take first and have bases loaded and a guy up? I don't care if a girl was going to be up next, why not have bases loaded?!? So, of course, she grounds out and deflates our chances at a really good inning. Wonderful. I hope to high heaven she does not bat behind me again.

The next thing that irked me is that the opposing team's pitcher was not finding the strike zone (i.e. I walked ... and I hate to walk). We had one last rally going, only down by 3 runs in the last inning ... she walked someone on all balls ... then we have someone swing and pop up on the first pitch. Why!?! I even yelled, "Take a strike!" Then, we get another walk ... have two people on, and the next batter ... swings at the first pitch! Why, oh why!?! Do we not want to win anymore?!? So, after that, somehow we get a couple of hits because of some bobbles in the infield ... then we have bases loaded, and I'm on deck ... meaning, I'm set to hit next ... can you guess what happens? Yeah, so the batter in front of me swings at the first pitch, grounds out, there's the game. I'm looking for the nearest cat to choke. Why don't we take a pitch!?! I wanted to be up with bases loaded! I wanted a chance for one more swing (my last at bat was dangerously close to a home run, but was only a double). I hate it!!!

I even think of things this way ... had, in that one inning, the female after me taken a base with a walk instead of wanting to get out, that would've meant an extra at bat at the end of the game ... or ME at bat! Gah, things like this kill me for weeks. No, I'm not bitter.

Then, we were supposed to play on Thursday. If we won on Thursday, we advance to the championship game today. If we lost, it was all over. On Thursday, it rained and the game was postponed until today, Monday (assuming it doesn't rain again). So, if somehow we win today, then we play the team that beat us last Wednesday for the championship ... but since they haven't lost in the tournament, we'd have to beat them twice in that same day. Impossible? No. Improbable? Yes. Do I like one word answers? Maybe. If we play carelessly again, then we have no chance. Frankly, at this point, I wouldn't be surprised if a batter gets hit by lightening with their metal bat and we have to forfeit the game.

To make matters worse, our pitcher for basically all but 2 games of the year, had his foot broken in our loss. Short story shorter, the ball was hit back hard to him after the pitch and smacked off his foot (as I ran by, barehanded it, and threw out the runner at first ... a nifty play, I must admit). He said it hurt for the rest of the game ... got it checked out the next day ... the doctor said it was broken (methinks some kind of hairline fracture or something). Either way, he's out, which is bad because, 1) there goes our most used pitcher, 2) it weakens an already weak outfield because our CF now has to pitch, 3) we have to have the same number of guys and gals play, which means we're recruiting someone who hasn't played the whole season and I'm not even sure knows how to play (fun fact: he's related to the female slugger who batted behind me last game ... yikes).

I'm not making excuses ... I'm just describing what we're up against. But, if the MLB has taught me anything last week, it's don't count out the underdogs!

Wannabees Team Record (Playoff): (2-1) ... Last Game - L, 12-9

HCP Game Stats: AB = 2, R = 2, H = 1, 2B = 1, RBI = 2, BB = 1, BA = .500

HCP Playoff Stats: G = 3, AB = 8, R = 5, H = 5, 2B = 2, RBI = 6, BB = 3, BA = .625


Okay, so this week I should know when Thursday is and when Friday is ... check back later this week for Pet Peeve Thursday! Keep those comments and questions comin' ... write to HCP2007@gmail.com or click on the comments link below! You're just a click away from being famous!

HCP

Pet Peeve Thursdays (On Friday): Flip-A-Roo

(1 Cent): Big Willy

You know what really chaps my cheeks? When sports announcers say the phrase, "He willed his team to victory." Really? You can do that?

I just think that you can't will your teammates -- a whole team -- into victory. The image that always comes to mind when this phrase is said is that of the "willing player" slamming shut his eyes, scrunching his face like it's his first battle with constipation, and mentally chanting, "We're gonna win ... we're gonna win."

Does this phrase mean that the "willing player" sets a good example by playing flawlessly, and it somehow elevates the game of the other players? If that's the case, then how come just this last year, Shaq sucked it up during the NBA Finals? He was on the court with Dwayne "He Looked At Me, I Was Fouled" Wade as he made play after play. Why didn't Shaq do well, then? If Wade was "willing" his team to victory ... then the team missed the message, because it was all Wade, all the time.

Does this phrase mean that the "willing player" has this mind controlling, mutant power (a la Professor X) that can alter the playing abilities of his teammates? Don't you think Kevin Garnett would've used that about 3 years ago on his Timbercubs? I mean, my goodness ... if Garnett doesn't qualify as someone who can "will" his team to victory, I don't know who does -- he's a former league MVP, is ferocious on the boards, will block your shot into row BB 132, and leaves all his emotions out for all to see. Don't you think a team with this man would be able to receive some of that "will" and win more than 33 games?

Let's take an example from another NBA player. My boy, Kobe Bryant, on January 22, 2006 scored an insane 81 points against the Toronto Raptors in a 122-104 Los Angeles Lakers victory. The fact that nobody remembers is that the Lakers were losing 71-53 in the third quarter. His 81 point total didn't come in garbage time, nor was it merely for show. His team was down 18 points and was on the verge of being blown out -- at home. So, what did Kobe do? He got angry and took out his aggression on the entire team (no, really, there were 3 to 4 guys guarding him at times) and scorched the Raps for 55 second half points. He made them from the outside, the inside, the free throw line ... you name it. Now, does this count as evidence of someone "willing" their team to victory? I say, no. Think about it. Who was doing all the scoring? Kobe. Who couldn't score? The rest of the team. (If you don't believe me, check out the box score: http://sports.espn.go.com/NBA/boxscore?gameId=260122013). Kobe wasn't willing his team to victory ... Kobe was willing Kobe -- Kobe won the game for his team.

Perhaps this is just a matter of semantics ... nonetheless, I don't like when I hear the phrase, "He willed his team to victory." Perhaps after I witness Kobe doing some Jedi mind tricks to make Sasha Vujacic, Kwame Brown, and Luke Walton hit a shot, I'll consider using that statement.

(2 Cent): Hand Sanitizer

It might be just me, but smearing around all my germs with hand "sanitizer" doesn't seem too clean to me. Does this sanitizer dissolve my germs into nothingness? Do germs jump off my hand screaming, "Ahh, clear sanitizer that smells like those rubber and plastic X-ray chips that dentists put in your mouth and make me gag, ahh"? The stuff even feels slimy ... it doesn't make me feel sanitized at all.

"Oh, oh ... HCP ... but it has moisturizers and contains vitamin E!" Yeah, it moisturizes all those germs into your hands. Plus, what do I need vitamin E on my hands for? Last I knew, you had to eat the stuff to have any positives effects.

http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/vitaminE/

Plus, have you ever shook hands with someone that uses hand sanitizer? Ewww. At least, I think it was hand sanitizer ... oh, gah, I'll be right back (after I wash my hands).

So, as for me and my hands, we'll stick to good ol' fashion soap and water.

(1/2 Cent): What Is Going On In This World?

So, I guess I'll wait until this Monday to divulge all the heart pounding excitement of my softball league ... at least, what I can tell you about it.

Also, make sure you keep those comments and questions a comin' ... thanks to all who have been already.

Until next week, keep your eye on the prize!

(I'm going to try different "signing off" phrases until I find a cool one ...).

HCP

Grab Bag Fridays (On Thursday): Inscription On The Sarcophagus

(1 Cent): I Need Better Reading Comprehension

Yes, I am aware today is Thursday ... that today should be Pet Peeve Day ... that today's article should be tomorrow. This week only (hopefully), we will have Grab Bag on Thursday and Pet Peeve tomorrow on Friday. Hey, give me a break ... I don't have any editors ....

We had a blistering two comments/questions this week. Hey, beggars can't be choosers (unless you're that one bum from Philly who wanted more change from my empty pocket or Meg Griffin):

Q: "HCP - What would you regard as your favorite or most essential "old skool" rap/hip-hop album? Since I ain't all that old, I'll define "old skool" as anything pre-1995. What say you??" -- ax9

HCP: This is a loaded question. I'll have to start my answer with a little rambling .... I'm going to highlight the "your favorite or most essential" old school Rap/Hip Hop album part of the question because one can debate what the "real" essential, best, most prolific, most influential album was of all time. Also, I'm going to define "favorite" and "most essential" as the album that converted me to Hip Hop in general. Lastly, I'll define "old skool" circa 1995, since that's about the same time I started buying CD's (and not just getting my Hip Hop fix via radio, MTV, or BET).

With that said, I would have to say my favorite and most essential old skool Rap/Hip Hop album is Harlem World by Ma$e. Although this LP dropped in 1997, it is almost a decade from now and by my standards, is classified as old school enough.

Harlem World was produced by Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs (aka Puffy, P. Diddy, Diddy) and his Bad Boy Records. My reasons for this being my favorite, vintage Hip Hop CD are:

1) Ma$e himself: he was (is?) one of the smoothest rappers out there ... he also was an enigma with the paradoxical humble flashiness to him lyrically.

2) Array of songs: this album had beats for the streets, for the clubs, to chill with, and even a comedic track ("Jealous Guy" where he and Diddy try -- and I emphasis try -- to sing like R&B cats). Just a wide variety of tracks to please the masses.

3) The list of guest appearances: sometimes too many guests can make your album weak, but I think Ma$e had a good balance, especially since they were big names ... with rappers such as DMX, Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z, Diddy, The Lox, 8Ball and MJG ... and R&B singers 112 and Total ... it added to the auditory ambiance ... instead of no namers, like Lil' Phonebook or Young Oldie.

4) The producers: three producers that stood out to help make a couple of songs and mix some beats were Diddy, The Neptunes (Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo), and Jermaine Dupri. You can't go wrong with that.

5) Test of time: there are still songs today that are played from this album on the radio, as classic old school joints, such as "Feels So Good" and "Lookin' At Me" ... if after 10 years your songs still bump, then you're the man.

Just for fun, my top five songs on this album are: "Lookin' At Me" (Featuring Diddy, produced by The Neptunes), "Cheat On You" (Featuring Jay-Z & Lil' Cease, produced by Jermaine Dupri), "What You Want" (Featuring Total), "Wanna Hurt Ma$e", and "Jealous Guy" (Featuring 112 & Diddy).

Q: "Hey now... don't be playin' the race game! The "Red Demon" is NOT in reference to Native Americans at all but to those who would demonize others. Such a one as say a lawyer trying to get some quick cash playing the race card on behalf of the Native Americans. ---For one example--- This lawyer would be a wolf in sheep's clothing saying that he feels their pain and starts opening otherwise long ago healed wounds in order to "help the oppressed" when in all actuality all the wolf wants is their money. The very same type that wants to demonize people like Columbus. Columbus was celebrated for being the one with enough balls to say that there is more out there than sea monsters and the edge of the world. --At least enough balls to pirate Galileo's theories from centuries before-- He's celebrated for being like the shrewd businessman --and pirating theories and ideas-- and being able to convince enough of the right people to set out on a dangerous voyage to discover a new land. Unfortunately he may have been too much like the shrewd (unscrupulous) businessman in that he wanted to take advantage of those peoples that he "discovered" 250 years after the Vikings had already built towns in the New England area that were destroyed by these same peoples. --What's a run-on sentence?--

So, in short, celebrate not the man but the idea: The idea that this land would someday be the first true trying ground for freedom. The idea that peoples of different backgrounds can live together in peace and harmony and not try to kill each other off because of stupid, null, and pathetically inconsequential differences. The idea that some day... pause for dramatic effect... some day, this newly "discovered" land will become........ CUBA!!!-----Don't be hatin'!!!----- -- Crash N. Burnett

HCP: Uhh ... I don't really know what to do with this. **For those readers who have no idea what this is talking about, it was last week's Pet Peeve Thurdsay topic and last week's Grab Bag Friday comment** I'll try to break it down the best I can. When you said "white demon" and Columbus ... it does, at least it did to me, referred to White peeps in general. With that, when you said "red demon" and Native American, methought you were just keeping with the theme. I'll quote what you said in it's entirety:

"Actually... I do remember getting Columbus day off of school oh so long ago... I think the native americans kind of ruined it though. Something about Colulmbus being a crazy, cruel, white deamon or something... I won't say anymore... the red deamon might come after me with their evil lawsuits and political correctness..."

So, I read "Native Americans" ... then said natives saying Columbus was a "crazy, cruel, White demon" ... then you won't say anymore because the "red demon" might go after you. From that paragraph, I didn't make the connection that "red demon" was meaning "those who would demonize others." My bad.

Aaaaaand, that's the end of that chapter.

(2 Cent): Where's The Line?

Last week, I was watching The Daily Show and Jon Stewart's special guest was the underrated comedian Norm McDonald. During the quasi-dialectic and banter, Norm brings up, as he called, the "then tragic" death of Steve "Crocodile Hunter" Irwin. Then, what proceeds is Norm making joke after joke about how and why the Croc Hunter passed away, as Jon begged him to stop making him laugh at the subject. Even the audience was trying to hold back laughter, or at least initially made an "ohhhhh" sound. I personally found myself laughing, not so much at the comedic material, but at Norm having no reservations about making fun of the death. I suppose I can point to some of my laughter of watching Jon try not to laugh.

(If you haven't seen it, here's the link ... don't worry kids, the bad words are "bleeped" out for your listening pleasure): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyIZW_TBjIg

This brings me to some moral questions: is it bad, evil, misguided, or wrong to laugh at the irony of something as tragic as death -- or the circumstance of the death? Is it just too soon? Will it be okay to joke about this in a year? Never? Am I a sick mo-fo for laughing? How come I don't feel bad for laughing? Is it twisted that, in my head, I had thought of an analogous happenstance of death? (For you sickos out there, I thought it would be parallel to having someone named The Tiger Dominator getting bit in the neck, near the ear lobe, by a domesticated, declawed hamster and dying). Do I officially qualify for Hell now?

I could write a 10 page thesis answering all the said questions, but will settle for this: I believe comedy helps some people cope with tragic circumstances (which is why some comedians describe themselves as "dark"). I'm still debating on whether or not it was too soon to start joking about it ... I guess as long as the Irwin family wasn't in the same room it's okay? Also, I suppose everyone has a different tolerance level or acceptance level of making comedy out of tragedies. You can't please everyone. Lastly, for me, basically anything is fair game for a laugh -- excluding sacrilege because, well, then you're just asking for trouble. I don't know if I would've gone where Norm went, but then again, that's why he's a relatively famous comedian and I'm a relative nobody from Nowheresville.

(1/2 Cent): Boo-ya, Grandma ... Boo-ya!

More random thoughts from my wondering mind ....

-- My song of the month: "Smack That" by Akon featuring Eminem

-- What is the point of a re-grand opening? Does that mean your store sucked so bad since the first real opening, you had to re-emphasize to the public that you exist?

-- If someone askes me in broken English if I speak Spanish ... and I say very, very little ... then they rattle off something in Spanish going about 134,249 miles per hour ... do I have the right to backhand them? That's a universal gesture for "slow down," right?

-- Is it me, or does it make you less cool to carry around a gallon of water with you all over the gym? That's it. I'm carrying those 5 gallon Alhambra jugs around with me ... just in case my camel gets parched while I'm doing my leg press.

So, click back tomorrow for Thursdays Pet Peeve (on Friday). Write any and everything to HCP2007@gmail.com. It's been a long week ....

HCP

Spmusic Mondays: I Love The Smell of Gold

(1 Cent): Dodgers Are In!

Including dramatic comebacks and in-game home run derbies, the Los Angeles Dodgers finish the regular season on a 7 game winning streak and finish tied for first place in the West of the National League to secure a playoff spot, in the form of the Wild Card. They will play the New York Mets in a best of 5 series, starting on Wednesday. I couldn't be more excited.

After a one year drought, my Blue Crew is back in the postseason and actually has a shot at advancing to the League Championship Series ... and dare I say, the World Series.

In the first three games, the Dodgers will throw pitchers Derek Lowe, Greg Maddox, and Brad Penny. Lowe, in the recent Boston miracle season, helped the Red Sox to a World Series title, pitching in a handful of series deciding games and even pitching in relief on short rest for a win. Maddox, who has many Cy Young awards, seems rejuvenated pitching for LA as he's had 6 wins since being traded from Chicago -- his postseason experience with Atlanta goes without saying. Penny, who is one of the only pitchers in history to beat the Yankees twice in the same World Series, has had a career year in wins this year -- the only alarming fact is that he somewhat injured his side in the last game he pitched in and might be questionable.

I could go on and on why I think the Dodgers have a chance: they have a better than average starting rotation, their bullpen (although untested in the postseason) has been solid; they had the 2nd most runs scored in the National League; they've come up with many comeback wins. Of course, the Mets had the most runs scored in the NL (only 14 more than LA). NY also has one of the best closers in the game today in Billy Wagner.

Basically, this series will come down to what ever team can get their starting pitchers to pitch deep into the game (6th inning ... 7th better) and whoever can get their offenses flowing first. My predictions for this series and other series follow:

National League

Los Angeles Dodgers in 5 games over the New York Mets

St. Louis Cardinals in 4 games over the San Diego Padres

American League

New York Yankees in 4 games over the Detroit Tigers

Minnesota Twins in 4 games over the Oakland A's

(2 Cent): Simply Ludacris

This week's review comes from the man who hails from A-Town and goes by the name of Ludacris. His LP entitled Release Therapy is his 5th and it doesn't disappoint. Luda goes in an entirely new direction with this album, in that fact the overall feel is more chill ... or softer (and not in a bad, "he's soft" kind of way). There's a couple of club songs, a couple of love songs, some tracks that deal with the cold realities of life, another that deal with the music industry ... he hits many different topics.

Not only does he have a variety of beats and topics to rap about, but Luda demonstrates why he will go down as one of the greatest Hip Hop MC's of all time. From creativity, to wit, to keeping it real, to voice inflections and speed of rhyme, Ludacris' lyrical talent alone carries this album. As I heard him say in an interview with Big Tigger on BET, Ludacris is focused with always reinventing himself and staying fresh for the people's ears -- that's precisely what he does.

Release Therapy is a solid album through and through -- I did not encounter any filler tracks and can comfortably listen without skipping tracks (except maybe the Intro which is still semi-listenable and the last track "Freedom of Preach" which has about 3+ minutes of some preacher dude going off at the end of Luda's rap). With that said, I have to stay with my criteria for rating, and I didn't feel that there were 2 or more songs that reached "My Favorite" status, which would have scored the album higher. I do give the CD a solid 8 out of 10 -- with Ludacris' lyrical talent leading the way.

**My Top 5**

1) Track 4, "Girls Gone Wild" ... My favorite song on the CD, this Neptunes produced track has a constant flow that mixes the verses and hook almost seamlessly ... the beat is more than hypnotic and could even be a good club banger ... it's a fast paced beat to keep up with Luda's faster paced rap.

2) Track 10, "War With God" ... This track is totally different from what he has put out in the past or even guest appeared on ... I think this track's style was on Luda's mind when he came out with the title of Release Therapy; very chill song with a unique singer on the hook.

3) Track 5, "Ultimate Satisfaction" (Featuring Field Mob) ... The sound of this is a slow, hard hitting almost Houston sounding beat ... more along the lines of the sound the Hip Hop world classifies as "Chopped and Screwed" ... very unique sounding and all of the verses by the three artists are great.

4) Track 7, "End of the Night" (Featuring Bobby Valentino) ... A more "turn down the lights" track ... Luda has some of his funniest verses in this little seduction song ... him and Valentino are a hit again.

5) Track 13, "Runaway Love" (Featuring Mary J. Blige) ... This song deals with some serious issues, but nonetheless happen in everyday life ... the lyrics hit your heart ... Mary's voice is outstanding.

(1/2 Cent): The Twins Ain't The Only Ones ...

So, even more miraculous than the Minnesota Twins overcoming the Detroit Tigers and the Chicago White Sox to win their division is my softball team, the Wannabees, winning not one, but both our playoff games last week.

On Tuesday, we had a battle that literally went back and forth each inning, with the culmination of our team putting together a 4 run inning late that was too much to overcome. It was pretty intense, with the outcome of the game in the air the entire time. One of the batters on the opposing team smashed two separate inside the park home runs (well, the first one was an error by our CF) but we somehow triumphed with belting out 12 runs. I personally went 3 for 4 with 2 RBI's. The final score was 12-9.

Tuesday's win allowed us to play again Thursday. This contest started out with our team scoring 5 runs in the first, and then giving up 5 runs in the bottom half of the first. The word "slugfest" went through my mind initially ... and I was right, sort of. We hit the ball pretty well, but the opposing pitcher basically gave us the game. I've never seen a softball pitcher walk 7 batters before, until then. Also worth noting, if you walk a male, then the female behind him gets on base too, so another male is up to bat next (so you can not pitch around the guys to get to the gals). With that said, there was a lot of runs scored by walks. I personally went 1 for 2 with a double, 2 BB's (base on balls), 2 RBI's and 3 runs. It was also the first time I saw a relief pitcher in a softball game. He didn't do much better as he walked about 3 more batters. Longer story short, the final score was 17-9. We worked them so badly, that they didn't even give the "cheer" at the end of the game for us ... so we didn't either (hey, we have pride!).

What made my night was the last person in the "high five line" at the end of the game said, "Yeah, thanks guys, for beating us into submission." Ahh, yes. That statement ranks right up there with, "You're the best kisser I've ever had" and, "This lapdance is on the house."

A couple of oddities I encountered occurred while I was at bat. The most annoying one came in the form of the "relief" pitcher, as he continually "fake pitched" the ball. Let me see if I can describe it: his arm started the throwing motion as he stepped forward, then he pulled it back quickly to set again, then he started the throwing motion again, and pulled it back, etc. He did this about 3-4 times before he actually pitched the ball once. This somewhat pissed me off. If I was any closer, I'd have finished the job Nature started on him and smacked the rest of his hair off his shiny head.

The second "first" I had happen to me was that I was beaned ... I was hit by the ball ... I was tagged in the leg by a slow pitch softball pitcher. Has this ever happened before? Ha ... what made it cool was that it was a really high pitch and that I had a good 4 seconds to move out of the way. Instead of looking like a punk (reference: Hunter, Lindsey ... he's no punk), I watched it all the way to my back leg. The best part was that it counted as just a ball. Beautiful.

As it stands now, we're two wins away from the championship and ultimate glory. I'll admit: I had my reservations about this whole playoff thing before. Now? I'm probably too confident. I mean, we still have a loss that we can use (i.e. if we lose, we'll just have to play an extra game and we can still contend for the championship game). Plus, we've belted out 12 runs and 17 runs, respectively. Isn't that enough offense? I think we can do this. I think I smell gold (or whatever they'll be giving us ... a free t-shirt ... a coupon for the dollar store ... whatever it is, I want it).

Our next game is this Wednesday. Hopefully the balls will continue to bounce our way. I'll let you know the results next Monday! Gooooo Wannabees!

HCP End of Regular Season Stats: G = 7, AB = 20, R = 5, H = 14, 2B = 2, RBI = 5, BB = 1, SF = 1, BA = .700

Wannabees Team Record (Playoff): (2-0) ... Last Game - W, 17-9

HCP Playoff Stats: G = 2, AB = 6, R = 3, H = 4, 2B = 1, RBI = 4, BB = 2, BA = .667


HCP

P.S. Make sure to write in those questions and comments for this Friday's Grab Bag. Check in for this week's Pet Peeve Thursday!